Unveiling the Unsuspected: An iGENEA DNA analysis Tracing the Surprising Journey of the Theisen Lineage
Family name Theisen
I decided to have my DNA tested by iGENEA, setting out to unearth the history of my lineage tracing back to my surname, Theisen. The path was full of surprises, spanning from the Middle East to Europe, shedding light on a diverse ancestry. Uncovering a tale of migration, trade, survival, and resilience, it provided not only an insight into my bloodline but also a deeper understanding of human history at large.
I embarked on an exciting journey of discovery when I decided to have my DNA analyzed by iGENEA. I expected to learn about my heritage, but what unfolded was a narrative full of unexpected surprises that traced back the path of my surname, Theisen, across continents and centuries.
The first revelation was that my DNA is strongly linked to the J2 haplogroup. Such a discovery, while on one hand was anticipated, was awe-inspiring in its intricacies. The J2 haplogroup is predominantly associated with south-eastern Europe and the Middle East, suggesting that my ancestors might have been early farmers who helped spread agriculture from the Middle East into Europe.
From a geographical perspective, it was startling to discover strong matches with populations in both Germany and Scandinavia. Notably, my surname Theisen, is of German origin and translates to 'Son of Theis’. Thus, it was expected to find connections within Germany. However, a Scandinavian connection was a surprise. The iGENEA results suggest my ancestors likely migrated north, possibly with the Viking incursions, taking the Theisen name with them.
I also discovered that my Maternal Line (mothers’ side) is linked to the J1c3 mitochondrial haplogroup. Intriguingly, the J1c3 group is mostly seen in Jewish communities, suggesting that my mother's ancestors might have been Ashkenazi Jews who migrated across Europe over the generations. Unexpected? Yes. Enlightening? Absolutely.
Curiously, as I dissected the origin of my surname, the test revealed parts of my past that I never knew existed. I found that people with the last name Theisen were, in the past, involved in many trades, be it as soldiers, farmers, or merchants. It gives me a newfound appreciation for the resilience and hard work ingrained in my bloodline.
My iGENEA test could not definitively pinpoint a single 'origin' for my ancestry – my DNA tells a story of movement, adventure, and survival. The Theisen narrative, it seems, spans continents, cultures, and centuries. I now view my surname not just as my identity, but as a remarkable journey that has given shape to who I am.
P. Theisen